02 Aug Before the Truck Arrives: A Quick Guide to On-Site Shredding Prep
Posted at 14:53h
in Privacy & Security
Scheduling an on-site shredding service is a smart move for any business looking to declutter, stay compliant, and protect sensitive information. But how can your team make the most of your upcoming appointment?
Here’s a quick guide to help your business prepare for a smooth and efficient visit from On-Site Confidential Shredding—whether you’re located in Bergen County, Rockland County, or Greenwich, CT.
1. Identify What Needs to Be Destroyed
Start by gathering documents and materials that are past their retention period or no longer needed. This might include:
- Old client files
- Financial records
- Expired employee paperwork Printed emails, memos, or drafts
- Obsolete hard drives or media
Use your company’s document retention policy (or establish one if you haven’t yet) to guide your choices. The NATIONAL ARCHIVES provides helpful resources for understanding how long certain records should be kept.
2. Remove Items You Want to Keep
Make sure that only the materials designated for destruction are included. This avoids accidental shredding of active files or items you still need to retain.
Clearly label any boxes or bins and place “DO NOT SHRED” notes on anything nearby that needs to stay.
3. Don’t Worry About Staples or Folders
On-Site Confidential Shredding trucks are equipped to handle staples, paper clips, and folders. There’s no need to remove those manually—just keep everything organized in boxes, banker’s boxes, or bags for easier pickup.
4. Notify Your Team
Let your employees know the date and time of the shredding appointment. This can help them:
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- Add last-minute documents they’ve been holding onto
- Avoid accessing storage areas being cleared
- Understand the process if they’re required to sign off on destruction
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5. Designate a Point Person
Choose someone to meet the shredding technician when they arrive. This person can:
- Guide them to the pickup location
- Confirm the materials to be shredded
- Receive the certificate of destruction
Having one point of contact keeps things efficient and ensures nothing gets missed.
6. Review Your Certificate of Destruction
After shredding is complete, you’ll receive a certificate of destruction. This document is important for compliance and recordkeeping—especially if you handle healthcare, legal, or financial data. Be sure to save it along with your other compliance documentation.
Ready to shred?
Preparing for on-site shredding doesn’t take much effort, but it can save you time and reduce risk. By staying organized and following a few simple steps, your business can enjoy peace of mind knowing your information was destroyed securely—and professionally—by On-Site Confidential Shredding.